Former MLB manager and No. 1 overall pick Phil Nevin sits down to reflect on decades of baseball stories, from being mentored by Tony Gwynn to coaching superstars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. Nevin shares what it was like being drafted first overall, working with legends, and adapting to the game as it’s changed through analytics, year-round training, and modern player development.
Nevin opens up about his time in the Texas Rangers clubhouse, giving away a full playoff share so a teammate could chase a golf dream, and even paying for a stadium parking attendant’s surgery—highlighting the side of baseball most fans never see. He talks about the humility of working with grounds crews, cracking open the coldest beer in the stadium, and the staged phone call that made him the top pick in 1992.
The conversation dives deep into the wisdom of Tony Gwynn, who could predict at-bats before they happened, and how Nevin carries those lessons into coaching. He shares his view on leadership, raising sons in baseball, and why good managers treat players with respect but not necessarily the same. From his kicking days in college football to his own gout stories, Nevin keeps it real.
You'll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about his coaching days with the Yankees and Angels, including pulling Shohei aside to talk sleep schedules, coaching Judge during his record-breaking run, and how Ohtani’s mentality separates him from everyone else. He breaks down the challenges of player development today, coaching third base, dealing with umpires like Angel Hernandez, and knowing when to bite your tongue as a manager.
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Hosts
Eric Hosmer / @hosmer305
Mike Moustakas /@moosetacos8
Peter Moylan / @petermoylan
Justin Su'a / @justinsua
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